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As we’ve all learned by now, there’s no “magic bullet” answer to the complex question that is better fuel economy, lower emissions, the desire to get off foreign oil, and everyone’s need save a buck or three.;Some carmakers are pressing full ahead on high-tech, clean-burning, diesel solutions (in spite of higher fuel costs), while others believe hybrids offer substantive gains and work better within our current infrastructure.;But one carmaker will soon have examples of each on the market in the U.S.

The Three Pointed Star is rolling out three Bluetec turbodiesel models as we speak (with more to come) yet at the Paris Motor Show, revealed its S400 BlueHYBRID.;It’s what it sounds like: an S-Class sedan with a hybrid-enhanced gasoline engine.;I’ve always said that large cars, trucks, and SUVs are likely targets for the hybrid treatment.;These things are generally thirsty and offer the most potential for improvement.;You know, go for the low hanging fruit and all that.;

Unlike Lexus’ pointless LS 600h — which aims to give V-12-level performance from a V-8 in a car that’s already plenty powerful — the S400 BlueHYBRID is about getting near V-8 performance out of a smaller V-6, with improved mileage and lower emissions.;Mercedes claims it works and that the S400 BlueHYBRID will be the world’s most fuel-efficient, gasoline-fueled full-size luxury sedan when it comes to market next year.

The base engine is Mercedes’ familiar 3.5L V-6, rated in Euro trim at 279 hp.;The hybrid part is a small electric motor built into the bellhousing.;While it only adds 20 hp, it’s the system’s 118 lb-ft of torque that makes the difference.;Electric motors crank out the most torque at 0 rpm, perfect for helping launch a relatively heavy car. The motor pack also acts as the starter,;so as with;most hybrids, automatic stop/start is part of the deal.;

Price, fuel consumption, and all those sorts of numbers are still pending.;But Mercedes has announced that the car has scored nearly 30 mpg on the European combined fuel-consumption cycle, not bad for a buggy the size of an S-Class.; Of course, less fuel burned mathematically means less C02 into the air.;0-60 mph takes approximately 7.1 sec, so the S400 BlueHYBRID isn’t likely to be a slug, either.;

Couldn’t Mercedes just certify its Bluetec diesel for use in the S-Class?; Yes, but it has chosen a different route, and one that likely makes sense if the cost of buying in isn’t too high.; Perhaps the company suspects that there;would be more U.S. marketplace resistance to a diesel-powered luxury car than to oil-burning sport/utilities.

We’ll drive the S400 BlueHYBRID early next year and let you know the full story.;In the mean time, what do you think of the idea? Is this a smart solution for a big luxury car, or should they have gone with a diesel of some sort?